Onomichi is a great starting point for those wanting to enjoy ocean views all the way to Shikoku or vice versa, from Shikoku to Onomichi. This route is called the Shimanami Kaidou, and it spans approximately 70km from Onomichi City to Imabari City and you will cross six islands and seven bridges along the way. This is definitely recommended for those who either have a motorbike or are fit and want to travel by bicycle. The Onomichi Shimanami Council has set up a very reasonable bicycle rental service, whereby you can rent or return bicycles at any one of the 'stations' on the islands, in Onomichi or Imabari. It is a quiet stretch of road without too much traffic, and in many places a dedicated bicycle path to make it really safe.

In Onomichi you can rent a cycle at the Municipal Parking Garage behind the Green Hill Hotel in Onomichi, (5mins walk from JR Onomichi Station). Prices: adults: 500 yen per day; children: 300 yen per day; electrically assisted bicycle: 800 yen per day. Each bicycle requires a 1000 yen deposit that will be lost if you return the bicycle at a different station and a passport or drivers licence for ID.

This is an excellent video of the ride from Onomichi to Imabari. This man put a time lapse camera on his bicycle which too photos every few seconds and gives an incredible dense of what it will be like to make this trip. Very recommended and has explanations of different parts of the journey in English as subtitles.